The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-05-21
For The UNIvERsAL.sr.
THE CONSEQUENCES.
BY MARY C. BILLINGS.
CHAPTER II.

Arriving at the railroad station, l
found Carroll waiting, full of delight TO
see me again. The JOY of meeting was
mutual. Fully restored to health, he was
bubblng over with jollity, and our ride
to the"Elms" behind Madame Cs spirited
"bays" was an agreeable finale to what
had been pleasant journey, through a
country in the flush of it's summer beauty.
Reaching the mansion at dusk, l receiv-
ed cordial greeting from Madame Car
roll, stately old lady, whose bearing
evinced that inherent family pride, the
usual accompaniment with many persons
of an old and honored name.
L subsequently learned that the Mis-
tress of the "Elms" had an especial weak
ness in that direction. Her own family
lineage coming from old English aris-
tocracy; and having been born and rear
ed in Virginia, as wealthy heiress, she
was naturally disposed to think well of
good blood. Carroll was wicked enough
to say he was afraid an honorable old
family name was regarded by his Aunt
in the guise Of a mantle of charity"-as
amply sufficient to 'cover multitude OF
SINS" although he thought, in her heart,
she would not mean to approve of any
thing not strictly just. She was the sec
ond wife of Judge Carroll, and had pre-
sided over the mansion with a certain
frigid grace and dignity; and after his de-
cease had kept up the establishment upon
its former footing of generous hospital
ity. She was evidently proud of her
husband nephew, who had been his ward,
and a member of his family for years.
Thus she was disposed to treat me with
more than ordinary consideration for his
sake, as also for the kind service" she
was pleased to thank me for rendering
him in his time of need.
The mansion at the "Elms," Frank in
formed me, was built by an ancestor, and
had been in possession of the Carroll fam
lily for seven generations. 1t was large,
heavy structure; not lofty, but roomy,
and of a rambling style; having from
time to time received various additions of
wings, gables and porches, according to
the needs or fancy of its several owners
Notwithstanding the low ceilings in some
of the rooms, and the quaint old furniture
OF solid wood, (all admirably preserved,)
the interior of the house was cheerful and
comfortable, and with a sort of stately
elegance found only in old-time man.
oionpN yary NJ nfiua
An aged clergyman, formerly a Profess
sor in the neighbormg Institute, fami-
ly relative occupied suite OF rooms in
one Of the wings. This gentleman, and
a dependent maiden cousin of the hostess,
now presiding at the breakfast-table
formed, with Frank and myself, staid
looking party, gathered the next morning
in the long, green dining-room. Had it
not been that Frank (who seemed to be
favorite in the family was equal to the
occasion, with his sparkling good nature,
We might have passed for a grouping of
old-time portraits sitting gravely over
our cups in that quaint room. Even the
sunshine was not permitted to enter the
windows, excepting in a decorous fashion
through the half-drawn Venetian shades,
throwing a subdued light over the anti
quated furniture, the delicate old china,
the silver service and the pictures on the
walls. Everything in this interior SEEM
ed in keeping with another date. But
Frank broke the spell, and was soon
laughing and chatting, making things
lively as was his wont. He started off
on tilt Of "thrust and parry" with the
Professor in his own inimitable humor-
GUS way; and if the subject, (some philc-
sophical problem,) did not gain much
strength by his handling, it at least got
pleasant airing. Then he bantered Miss
Cynthia upon the advent Of a suspicious
looking bachelor in the neighborhOod;
OF drew upon his store Of incident and